Complying with EU regulations
True to the European market trend, we incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in investment-related decision-making. We have adopted Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on sustainability‐related disclosures in the financial services sector (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation – SFDR) and we issue a Sustainable Finance Statement.In 2021 we expanded the products of SFDR articles 8 and 9 in the lists of advisory products and discretionary management portfolios. At the same time, we developed relevant training material and seminars for our people.
Offering investment products with an environmental and social impact
In 2021 we introduced impact investing for the 1st time ever. Since then we have been offering investment products with a social impact to Private Banking clients.
We created an environmental bonus system that is linked to structured notes and contributes to the reforestation of forests across Greece. For every €1,000 of nominal participation in Alpha Bank sustainable investment products, Reforest'Action and the Forest Research Institute in Thessaloniki have been planting 1 tree across the forests of Aronas in Katerini, Thessaloniki, Pierian Mountains and Kastanologos in Karystos.
We anticipate enriching our offering of structured notes through the impact investment initiative with the introduction of a social bond category.
This way we further raise awareness among clients about environmental issues, through the direct and measurable environmental impact of their investment.
Providing training and raising awareness
We remain committed to providing training and raising awareness among our employees and staff about sustainable investments.
In 2022 we hosted an event on “Women and Investments” for 90 Private Banking clients, with the aim of promoting values of gender equality and inclusion.
Furthermore, the Market Research team integrated additional reports about sustainable investments in the Navigator quarterly update, while the Investment Product Assessment team significantly increased the share of products meeting sustainable investment criteria in the vetted lists of the Private Banking advisory department.
In 2023 Alpha Bank representatives attended various investment conferences and presentations about sustainable investments. As the number of regulations, initiatives and commitments dedicated to sustainable investment is growing, it is very important to provide adequate training and participate in conferences that are dedicated to or touch on sustainable investment areas.
During the same year, we made a commitment to increase the number of available mutual funds that meet sustainability criteria by 20% and we succeeded.
Incorporating ESG in mutual fund management
Alpha Asset Management MFMC delivers on its commitment to integrate ESG parameters in investment analysis, decision-making and active ownership practices. In this context, it:
- Complies with the SFDR regulation.
- Has co-signed the UN initiative on the Principles for Responsible Investment – PRI since 2018. In July 2024 the company submitted its annual assessment report, which included its responsible investment activities and demonstrated significant progress in most assessed categories.
- Has developed an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Policy.
- Offers mutual funds with targeted ESG investment strategy that promote sustainability.
Adopting and using ESG criteria as a catalyst for value creation is still a priority for Alpha Asset Management MFMC. At the end of 2024, the assets of Alpha Mutual Funds incorporating ESG features stood at €313 million. The company is ranked first in the Greek market in the assets under management category.
Find out more about the responsible ESG approach adopted by Alpha Asset Management.
